Notes Of A Native Son
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Listen to Notes Of A Native Son
The saxophonist and composer Calvin Johnson Jr. returns with his 3rd album as bandleader, and he embraces ideas as wide as Congo Square beats as well as timeless New Orleans flavor with the large amount of talent on hand.
“I’m Walking” starts the listen with Johnson’s bright sax and vocals front and center on the lively jazz setting, and “Summertime” follows with thumping drums from Trenton O’Neal as a frisky pulse of dynamic and timeless sounds flow with plenty of soul.
“Anova” occupies the middle spot, and benefits much from Johnson’s agile brass acrobatics amid the precise drumming and Ryan Hanseler’s proficient keys, while “Resistance Is Noble, But Defeat Is Imminent” places Alfred Jordan on drums for the rhythmic and meticulous album highlight.
Advancing towards the end, “Streetcar Love” showcases sublime singing from Erica Falls that soars powerfully, and “Life Every Voice And Sing” exits with Jennie Brent’s violin and viola, Gabrielle Fischler’s cello, Evan Washington’s electric bass and piano and D’Wayne Muhammad’s percussion for the orchestral meets jazz landscape that illustrates much creativity.
Johnson was raised in New Orleans, and that spirit is embedded into his cultured song craft that makes for an eclectic and lively version of jazz.
Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come